Recommended 12 Dinner Spots Near Santa Cruz, California

Dave Reed Really enjoyed my mufaletta sandwich here! Great beer selection, too.

Ron Mortenson We love this place. We prefer to sit upstairs and get the best view from a window seat. I think I’ve tried most everything on the menu and it’s all great. The house made chips are fantastic so be sure to get them. The smoked salmon is very tasty as well as the Ahi salad. Surprisingly they make a terrific burger. Of course there is always fish and chips and a bowl of chowder. Be sure to stop by. It’s a bit pricey but worth it .

Megan Marie Great Mexican food, very quick service and friendly staff. The portions are generous and food is cooked to order, served fresh and hot. Has indoor and some outdoor seating. Parking is somewhat difficult but its worth it! Highly recommend the tostadas and tacos. The chicken and carne asada are full of flavor tastes homemade, they also have a chips and salsa bar that is so good. 5 Stars!

Vyacheslav Romanenko Nice diner in traditional American style. Burgers where tasty(we took California, Mushrooms and Double Bacon). Special praise to the dessert(Death by Brownie). Service also was great.

Hyunjun Eo ​You can’t really visit the Santa Cruz Wharf without hitting up Stagnaro Bros at least once. We stopped in for a lunch with a view, and honestly, it hit the spot. It’s definitely a busy, touristy spot, but the seafood quality backs it up. ​Here’s the breakdown of what we ordered: ​Clam Chowder Bread Bowl: This is pretty much mandatory here. The sourdough was fresh with that perfect crust (didnt get soggy too fast), and the chowder was creamy and full of clams. Perfect comfort food, especially with the sea breeze coming through the window. ​Coconut Shrimp: These were a highlight. Super crunchy on the outside and the shrimp inside wasnt rubbery. The sweet chili sauce on the side is standard, but pairs perfectly. ​Fish & Chips(Kids menu): A solid classic. The batter wasnt too thick or oily—it had a nice crisp to it. I appreciate that they serve the thicker steak fries instead of the skinny ones; they hold up better with the malt vinegar. ​Seafood Alfredo(Holiday Special): We decided to switch it up with a pasta dish (Scallop Alfredo). It is rich. Very creamy and cheesy. The scallops were sweet and tender, and the peas added a nice little pop of sweetness, but it’s definitely a heavy dish. Good for sharing if you want to save room for dessert. ​The Vibe: We got a table right in the sun, which was amazing. It’s casual dining—you get your sauces in plastic cups and it’s a bit loud—but that’s part of the charm. The service was quick considering how packed the place gets. ​Verdict: If you want fancy fine dining, this isnt it. But if you want fresh seafood, a cold drink, and a view of the ocean while you eat, Stagnaro’s is still the king of the wharf. Will definitely be back for that bread bowl.

Janelle Stepper McKenzie provided exceptional service at dinner! We dined inside with a nice window view of the waterfront. My spouse ordered the burger with fries and I had the Caesar salad. We had a few gin and tonics with the meal which were so refreshing. The food came out quick after ordering and I would definitely recommend dining here.

Mark Bartlett Riva Fish House was a great place to eat. The food was excellent and the service was just as good. I really enjoyed the fish and calamari. To top it off the views were wonderful with all the various birds flying aroundthe windows. I will be back.

Melanie Magill I LOVE Woodstocks Pizza! When I come home to California to visit my parents I drive the 45-60 minutes to grab a pizza here! I love the sauce and the crust! The assistant manager was soooo nice and friendly when I picked up my food! The pizza was gone before we left the parking lot! Wilde bread is another all time favorite and I love sharing it with my kids! Hopefully someday they will love it as much as I do!

BHF Really good happy hour drink and food specials every day! There was a slight wait on a Tuesday (all day happy hour), but the service, vibe, and prices were definitely worth it!

Claire McManmon Delicious and fast service. Coffee wasnt the best but the free refills were great. The real standout was the Sourdough pancakes. I got them with seasonal fruit and whipped cream (bananas and walnuts this week) and splurged on real maple syrup. Super delicious and reasonably priced.

Christina Marie Visited for the first time on a Monday morning and the place was packed - which was a great sign right off the bat! The food was delicious and the portions were huge! The coffee and OJ are also worth mentioning as both were quite good. The waitstaff were also very friendly and attentive. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for an awesome breakfast experience :)

Tania España I absolutely loved this place. The food is full of flavor, super fresh, and very cultural you can taste the quality in every bite. The seasonings, the sauces, everything felt authentic and made with care. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, and the service was great too. Definitely coming back! Laura was amazing.